Golf Association Members Volunteer in New Orleans

Stephanie Corbin -- Tradeshow Week, 10/21/2008 1:43:00 PM

New Orleans’ tradeshow industry has recovered from Hurricane Katrina, which hit in 2005, but groups visiting the Crescent City still are working to help the city’s population.

The Golf Course Superintendents Assn. of America and the partnering associations of the Golf Industry Show, scheduled Feb. 5-7 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will have work days with New Orleans Habitat for Humanity before the show opens to help build homes in some of the city’s most devastated areas.

“This is the first time the Golf Industry Show has been back to New Orleans since Katrina, and we are excited to join our partnering organizations to help the people of this great city,” said Mark Woodward, GCSAA CEO.

“GCSAA has a compassionate membership, so helping the city rebuild is something that our members have felt very strongly about participating in.”

The work days will be Feb. 3-4 from 7:45 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. each day. Volunteers will work in teams of 15, and the show will provide volunteers with transportation from the convention center plus lunch, water, sunscreen and a T-shirt.

Volunteers must register by Jan. 2, and a $25 registration fee is required. To register online, go to www.gcsaa.org/conference.

“Since Hurricane Katrina, New Orleanians have experienced hardships, but have continued to persevere in hopes of making New Orleans better than it was,” said Melissa Manusellis, volunteer coordinator for New Orleans Area Habitat for Humanity.

“The Golf Industry Show volunteer days will greatly assist New Orleans Habitat in achieving our mission of building safe and decent shelter for low-income families. The group’s enthusiasm is critical in maintaining our level of building.”